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On Saturday, a new labor law makes witchcraft legal in Romania. The new law makes witchcraft a legal profession, along with astrologers, embalmers, valets and driving instructors. The legislation is a move to tighten up Romania’s tax code. Such unusual professions have been able to slip through the cracks, allowing those in involved to evade paying income taxes. Earlier this year, the issue became so heated that an organized protest by witches threatened placing curses on the Romanian government. The new law has prompted one witch, named Bratara, to threaten casting a spell involving the sue of black pepper and yeast to cause ‘discord’ amidst the government.

Back in September, I had written about this issue before. At that time, it appeared that the government was backing down from imposing the new legislation, taking the threat of curses and spells seriously. The main problem here is one of red-tape and bureaucracy, as usual.

The argument posed by astrologers, witches and psychics is that their ‘business’ is just too difficult to keep accurate records. Their trade is erratic at best and marginal at worst. I suppose we could also question what items could be considered ‘legitimate’ deductions as operating expenses. Can a witch deduct the cost of eye of newt? Can fortune tellers deduct that new deck of Tarot cards as a legitimate business expense?

Witchcraft legal in Romania thanks to a new law which went into effect Saturday. The law includes witchcraft, astrologers, embalmers, valets and driving instructors as ‘real professions’. Those involved are working ‘real jobs’ as far as the government, and it’s tax collectors are concerned. Many witches, including Bratara, are upset with the new law and are threatening to put curses and cast spells on the Romanian government.